If you’re a PlayStation fan who wants to stream games to your smartphone, tablet, or PC, you’ve probably heard of PSPlay and Chiaki. Both are popular third-party alternatives to Sony’s official Remote Play app, but which one is better?
In this post, we compare PSPlay vs Chiaki to help you decide which is the right Remote Play app for your setup.
What Is PSPlay?
PSPlay is a third-party Remote Play app developed for Android users. It offers a polished, feature-rich experience with smooth performance, especially over local Wi-Fi networks.
Key Features:
- Support for PS4 and PS5
- Low latency streaming and 60fps support
- Customizable on-screen controls
- Works with third-party controllers like Razer Kishi, Backbone, and more
- Easy setup via PSN login
What Is Chiaki?
Chiaki is a free and open-source Remote Play app available for Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and even Steam Deck. It’s a great solution for tech-savvy users who want full control without paying a dime.
Key Features:
- Compatible with PS4 and PS5
- Multi-platform support
- Lightweight and customizable
- Community-supported updates
- Requires manual pairing using your PSN Account ID and Device ID
Setup & Ease of Use
PSPlay:
Setting up PSPlay is quick and beginner-friendly. You log in using your PlayStation credentials, and the app automatically discovers your console on the same network. The user interface is sleek, intuitive, and tailored for touchscreens.
Chiaki:
Chiaki is a bit more technical. To get started, you’ll need to manually enter your PSN Account ID and register your Device ID from the console. It’s not impossible, but it’s not for beginners either. Once set up, the experience is stable and clean—just a bit barebones.
Performance Comparison
In terms of streaming quality, both apps are capable—but PSPlay has a slight edge in latency and frame rate consistency, especially on Android. Chiaki performs well too, especially on wired or strong Wi-Fi connections, but its performance may vary based on your device and OS.
Controller Support:
- PSPlay: Excellent support for Bluetooth and USB controllers; works flawlessly with Razer Kishi and Backbone.
- Chiaki: Supports most controllers, but may need extra configuration depending on the platform.
Pricing
- PSPlay: One-time purchase on the Play Store, usually around $5–6. You get premium features, ongoing updates, and a polished experience.
- Chiaki: Completely free. You can contribute to development or donate, but it’s optional.
Pros and Cons
PSPlay
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Great performance on Android
- Excellent controller compatibility
- Rich customization options
Cons
- Only available for Android
- Paid app
Chiaki
Pros
- Completely free
- Cross-platform support
- Lightweight and minimal
Cons
- Requires manual setup
- Not as user-friendly
- Fewer customization options
Comparison Table
| Feature | PSPlay | Chiaki |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Android only | Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, Steam Deck |
| Price | Paid (One-time ~$5–6) | Free & open-source |
| Ease of Setup | Easy – login with PSN, auto-discovery | Manual – requires PSN Account ID & Device ID |
| PS4/PS5 Support | Yes | Yes |
| Streaming Quality | Excellent – Low latency, 60fps | Good – performance varies by device |
| User Interface | Polished, mobile-friendly | Minimal, functional |
| Controller Support | Wide support (Kishi, Backbone, Bluetooth, USB) | Good – may require configuration on some platforms |
| Customization Options | Rich – On-screen controls, layout, resolution settings | Limited |
| Updates & Support | Regular updates via Play Store | Community-supported |
| Best For | Android users who want a plug-and-play experience | Tech-savvy users on any platform |
Who Should Use Which App?
- Choose PSPlay if you’re an Android user who wants a hassle-free, smooth Remote Play experience with robust features.
- Choose Chiaki if you’re a tech-savvy gamer who wants a free and open-source option across multiple devices, even Steam Deck or Linux.
FAQs
Can I use both PSPlay and Chiaki with the same PSN account?
Which app is better for PS5 streaming?
Is Chiaki safe and legal to use?
Does PSPlay work with controllers like Backbone and Kishi?
Conclusion
Both PSPlay and Chiaki are excellent apps, but they cater to different users. PSPlay wins on usability, polish, and controller support, while Chiaki is the go-to for tinkerers and multi-platform users who don’t mind a bit of setup work.
If you’re on Android and just want things to work out of the box, go with PSPlay. But if you’re on a PC, Linux, or looking for a free solution, Chiaki is a powerful tool worth considering.